Hi, I thought it only polite and introduce myself, and explain why Ive joined this forum. Until recently I was leading a very easy, unresponsbile life - having made a decision not to marry, nor have kids, nor a mortgage. But my Dad's long term girlfriend got diagnosed with Alzheimers about 8 years ago (she's only 60 now), and was doing okay until she recently went walkabout one freezing cold night, ended up overnight in a ditch and had a spell in hospital.
She wasnt very well, lucky to be alive...and the social services said she needed overnight care and wouldnt allow her home until it was in place.
So I moved in.
I am in my fifth week now, I had absolutely no idea of what I was letting myself in for...its been tough, I am constantly tired, Im in charge from the moment I wake up in the morning until late at night. But thankfully at 6pm on a Friday evening, my Dad arrives and takes over until Sunday night.
I feel like giving all you relatives of sufferers a massive hug...to go from partner/child/mother/father to carer is a heck of a thing, and you all have my utmost respect.
I consider myself lucky considering I have my weekends free, and although Ive known my 'charge' for over a decade now, I can detach myself from the situation a little with help from my Counselling skills and the fact that I am not directly related.
I also 'feel' for my Dad, I have watched him go grey, I have seen the worry in his face, and both me and my sister are deeply worried for him.
Anyway, I try to make light of the situation, and not dwell on things too deeply, but there will be times I need people who understand to listen to me...
So, thanks for being there, and sorry this intro ended up being an essay!
She wasnt very well, lucky to be alive...and the social services said she needed overnight care and wouldnt allow her home until it was in place.
So I moved in.
I am in my fifth week now, I had absolutely no idea of what I was letting myself in for...its been tough, I am constantly tired, Im in charge from the moment I wake up in the morning until late at night. But thankfully at 6pm on a Friday evening, my Dad arrives and takes over until Sunday night.
I feel like giving all you relatives of sufferers a massive hug...to go from partner/child/mother/father to carer is a heck of a thing, and you all have my utmost respect.
I consider myself lucky considering I have my weekends free, and although Ive known my 'charge' for over a decade now, I can detach myself from the situation a little with help from my Counselling skills and the fact that I am not directly related.
I also 'feel' for my Dad, I have watched him go grey, I have seen the worry in his face, and both me and my sister are deeply worried for him.
Anyway, I try to make light of the situation, and not dwell on things too deeply, but there will be times I need people who understand to listen to me...
So, thanks for being there, and sorry this intro ended up being an essay!
) as it does not seem to stop 
